An Updated (Mac) Classic

Project: An Updated (Mac) Classic

Introduction:

This is a casemod based on my first computer ever. The first computer I ever owned was this Macintosh Classic which was given to me by a neighbor. This was back in the late 1990s, most of my early computers were Macintosh machines from this era but this was the first. As such this is a special machine to me. Unfortunately it appears it will no longer boot, and even if it did it is too outdated to be useful for anything more than a decoration. I have no intention of hanging onto useless computer and as such I am getting rid of my entire mac collection. however I cant just get rid of MY FIRST COMPUTER EVER. So I must mod this into something useful! The project begins...

My intent with this project is to install modern hardware into this case. The plan is to get a microITX motherboard and mod this into a microITX case. I want to be able to upgrade to a more powerful mainboard in the future if at all possible. Love em or hate em the compact mac cases are rather iconic of the "personal computer" as such I wish to leave this as original looking as possible. That means no paint jobs, no case windows, no lights, no front I/O ports at all. Other than a few minor things I cant get around I wish for this to look as original on the outside as possible. The only changes will be I intend on using a LCD rather than a CRT for the display so the display portion of the machine will be flat rather than the rounded CRT, not sure how that will look but I cant avoid it. I may look into placing the LCD behind a piece of curved glass if i can find something suitable. I also refuse to use floppy drives so i intend to slightly widen the floppy slot on the front and use a slot load optical drive instead. I also plan on using one of these adaptors (link) so that I may use the original keyboard and mouse with this updated classic. I also want to mod special cables and ports so I can keep the back of the case looking stock as well although I'll get more into the plans for that in a later update.

Now I figure anyone reading this has probably gotten bored and needs more pictures.

First the computer as it is right now, I have not done anything to it yet:

As I stated earlier I intend on using an orignal keyboard and mouse with this:

I have two styles of Apple mice the newer rounder version I have seen pictured more with classics but I always used the older squared one, I'll hang onto both and decide which to use later:

Also for those curious here is basically my entire collection of apple hardware from that era (if anyone wants anything from the pile let me know most of it is going to the electronics recycle pile at the local dump soon):

Summary for those who are lazy:
-This was my first computer ever
-I am updating it with modern interals based around a microITX board
-Will be keeping this as stock looking as possible on the outside
-Plan on using original peripherals via an adaptor

It looks like it should be a fun build. I like the idea. Will be watching!

awsome a retro mod!!!!! im interested

Beats turning it into a MacQuarium, that's for sure.

The Classic was technically my first computer, too - we got it free in '99 or '00, during the five-flavor-iMac era, and it was too old at that point to find software for... it just sort of disappeared, but I'd like to get another one and do exactly what you're planning to do here. Very simple, elegant machines.

I was thinking about this just a couple weeks ago. I even called my Dad on the East Coast to see if he still had the old mac sitting in the storage locker still. I may still do this eventually but I'll change out the keyboard and mouse. Mac mice used to drive me crazy. Good luck with this.

I've got a pallet of those i could sell you for 75$

a pallet

im talking 50-75 of those.

I use those at work to prob tables up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Twigsoffury

I've got a pallet of those i could sell you for 75$

a pallet

im talking 50-75 of those.

I use those at work to prob tables up.

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Have I mentioned lately that I want your job?

Thanks for the interest and support guys. And thanks for the offer Twiggsoffury but I dont need another 50+ of these.

The reason I am using the Apple computer is to complete the original look. The screen will be too small for me to possibly consider using regularly enough so any discomfort from the keyboard will not be a major issue. The machine will most likely end up as either some sort of server or a guest computer. Speaking of the keyboard I just purchased an adapter so I can use the ADB (apple desktop bus) keyboard with USB. That should be in sometime this week so I'll be able to start playing with that soon. I believe it shows up as a generic USB keyboard so I am hoping it will work in both linux and Vista.

I also had the though of possibly adding a SD card reader as i use those almost more than I do usb thumbdrives these days. My though was to add it where that weird lock slot is on the back of the mac. However I checked the size and this is what I found out:

The slot is clearly too narrow to fit a SD card without widening it, which I do not intend to do. I do think if i might be able to hide it in one of the vents on the back if i mod it a little. We will see what happens later on after I get more of the project finished.

I also bought some shelves to organize all my computers better so that I can work on them easier.

I have several of my towers on the bottom, a shelf for keyboard/mouse then monitors, then some more desktop cases, and finally the top has a printer and some ancient modems. Most of the apple stuff on there now is either getting modded to be useful or tossed/given away to fellow modders.

I'll leave you guys with one more shot of the Classic:

As usual I am looking forward to everyone's opinions ideas and comments. I am looking for low cost suggestions for both a slot load optical drive (must read DVD dont care if it burns or not) and more difficultly a monitor on a budget. I also have a project car and a boat I need to spend money on so I am trying not to spend a whole lot on this.

KVM dude.

I am slightly envious of the collection. Very envious actually

nice chucky,.... ill be watching closely

I bring this update to you typed on my original Apple Keyboard II!

So I got home from work today and found a package had arrived containing among other things the ADB adaptor. I hooked the Apple keyboard and mouse to it and plugged it into my laptop. No problems, Vista recognized it as a generic keyboard and mouse and I am using them right now for this update. I also bought a SDHC card which came in with the same order. It included a free USB SDHC/SD/MMC card reader which I am considering possibly adding to this project at some point. I'll play with the keyboard more and take pictures after I clean off my desk.

nice :P

i spot a dell RX440 400-550mhz on that bottom shelf.

oddly enough thats what those customer service people order by the shipping container for over seas people.

I still like your pair of Gateway servers. :D How much did the ADB->USB adapter cost you? I wouldn't mind having one around, since I'm rather fond of my old Apple keyboard, too.

Twiggsoffury: that is actually a Dell XPS T550 case. That would be Project XPS, which I will be finishing up after I complete this project. Working on too many mods at once gets confusing and nothing gets acomplished.

FuzzyPlushroom: it was ~$30 from newegg, although they deactivated it since I bought mine (possible I got the last one they had in stock, i doubt they are very popular anymore) They were originally made so people could use their old keyboards with their new iMacs. I think you can still find them from other places online. Here is the link from newegg anyways: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812999080

Update time! I just bought a new tool so I can open up the case. You need a #15 Torx driver with a 6" shaft to get at the top screws of the case. You can get one at Sears.

I can finally reach those hard to get at screws:

Starting to open the case:

The top part of the case takes a bit of effort to get separated, took me a min or two to get it to come free. I was being careful not to damage the shell either.

Finally open:

The ram expansion card (4mb total):

That is all I did for today, I will be working on removing the existing components soon once i figure out how to do so with out killing myself.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chaksq

That is all I did for today, I will be working on removing the existing components soon once i figure out how to do so with out killing myself.

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Be very careful not to break the CRT; it can kill.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nevermind1534

Be very careful not to break the CRT; it can kill.

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I know that is why I said what I did. I am actually more worried about the capacitors in this thing. If I were to accidentally discharge them, say through myself... yea bad things would happen.

Oh in other news I am getting a workshop area once I can get my mother to finish clearing it out.

You can always let the thing sit unplugged for a few weeks and the electricity will just leak out of them and they'll be safe. You can also go to a TV repair place (do they still have those?) and get them to discharge them. I always just let it sit out for a while.

wow, only 4092 more mb of RAM and you'll be where I'm at, haha. Those old things are crazy. I love how compact they got em. This is one I'll be watching closely. I love Hackintosh mods. :)

lol nice start chuck...

wow i didnt think about the shock when i pulled moditor apart :P could be dead :P

Where I left off last time, nothing removed from the system:

First I remove the ram add-on card, this just slides out:

With the add-on ram removed all I have to do is unplug power and drive cables and the mainboard slides right out:

Next I removed the HD:

Followed by the floppy drive:

The mac with the mainboard and drives removed:

Next up is to remove the CRT and power supply board. I consider this the dangerous part as the capacitors on these parts could kill. The computer has been unplugged for at least 1-2 weeks so likely they are discharged regardless I used much caution while doing this. I had the Dave Matthew's song "You Might Die Trying" playing while i was doing this part for the irony factory, also it took me less time to do this part than the length of the song.
First I detached the circuit board:

Then removed the rest:

The case with all components removed:

I removed the original frame and attached all the orignal components to it to keep it tidy:

If the system worked I might make a mount for the CRT and turn this into a standalone open chassis case.

The empty case ready for some updated hardware:

That is all for now, my next step is to find some metal and make a new frame I can mount all the new hardware on that will fit within this case. Not sure what I need or how soon I can get it done.

hmmmm contact me... i have some good ideas.....

+rep

Oh man, a Conner? I thought Apple had higher standards than that...

It is just begging for an lcd to be mounted in the front of it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FuzzyPlushroom

Oh man, a Conner? I thought Apple had higher standards than that...

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I don't think the drive was from Apple, no Apple stickers in there. This computer used to be owned by my schools, who kept using it way past outdated. I think they upgraded the drive, seemed to be of a higher capacity than I expected from it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simon275

It is just begging for an lcd to be mounted in the front of it.

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I have been planning on that. Not sure where to find a 9" LCD though. Might use something smaller mounted behind a piece of plexi. If possible I want to get a piece of plexi and curve it the same as the original CRT. Not sure how though. Also if anyone knows of where I can get a 9" LCD or close (8.6" or something like that) please let me know.

Interested in giving me that drive?

http://store.earthlcd.com

check these guys out they have a few sizes and kits sometimes its not cheap but look at there close outs. 8.6 or 10.1" would be the best size I'm guessing...

Rod

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chaksq

I don't think the drive was from Apple, no Apple stickers in there. This computer used to be owned by my schools, who kept using it way past outdated. I think they upgraded the drive, seemed to be of a higher capacity than I expected from it.


I have been planning on that. Not sure where to find a 9" LCD though. Might use something smaller mounted behind a piece of plexi. If possible I want to get a piece of plexi and curve it the same as the original CRT. Not sure how though. Also if anyone knows of where I can get a 9" LCD or close (8.6" or something like that) please let me know.

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I know a number of in car entertainment lcd screens are 9" ones.

Those of you following my other current project, XPS, may have noticed that i found a spare parts case for that project. That find got me in the mood for some case modding, I decided to work on this project as key parts of my other project are in storage atm.

I looked into LCD screens that will fit this case, unfortunately i don't have many options. Most new small LCDs seem to be 16:9 or 16:10 and I need a 4:3 screen as that is what the Classic originally had. Also car entertainment screens are out as most only have composite signal and I require VGA or better since I will be using this with a computer. After some digging I found a small 8.4" monitor intended for POS that might exactly fit my criteria. The POS-X EVO-RD1-LCR8 display, which is meant to be attached to the rear of a POS terminal. The reported display area of the POS-X unit is 6.5"x5", the classic is roughly 7"x5.5" so this should work well. The specifications seem to indicate that it will work with any standard VGA input and has it's own power supply therefore I should be able to use it as a standalone unit. The catch is the price, $321, a bit out of my price range. I have found some for about half that price on ebay.

I also did a bit of work on the project itself. As I have mentioned before I will be making the Mac look as original as possible. I do want to be able to use modern connections with it. Todays project is the start of the Ethernet connection. I have a external network adapter meant for some PowerMac models:

My first step was to open up the adapter. It took a bit of effort but I was able to pry the case open:

Inside the actually network adapter appears to be in some sort of shielded case, which I opened to reveal the logic board and connectors:

Now since I'll be keeping the classic looking original I want to make this attach to the original Macintoch Serial Ports. I will be modifying these original ports as pass throughs for modern connections. There were two ports on the original Classic: one intended for a printer, which I will use for two USB ports later, and one for a modem, which I will be using for the Ethernet. To start I cut a serial cable in two, the shorter segment roughly the length of the original cable for the Ethernet adapter i am modifying. You can see it attached to the original port on the motherboard:

I then stripped the shielding back to expose the wires inside. I plan on using a tester to determine the correct pinout and then wiring this up to an Ethernet port which i will then place inside the case for this Ethernet adapter.

Thanks for checking out the update, as always please let me know what you think of the project. I'm hoping to keep this project moving along steadily despite my busy schedule.

woo progress!!

yay for progress! :) I really need to stop being lazy and work on mine.

I may have just obtained a display panel for this. Got some used 8.4" displays meant for industrial applications on the cheap. Just need to find a way to power them and see if they actually work. Bonus: they might have touchscreen panels. The stickers on the back of them say they take 12v input at 1.5a so I'm hoping that means finding power supplies won't be that difficult.